virus-cell interaction, positive-strand RNA viruses, flaviviruses, cell biology of RNA virus infeciton
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) activate heterotrimeric G proteins to control myriad signaling pathways and physiological processes. Our lab broadly studies these signaling circuits with current emphasis on delineating the function of adhesion GPCRs and Ric-8 proteins (folding chaperones for all G protein alpha subunits). Adhesion GPCRs appear to couple extracellular shear force events to intracellular G protein signaling. We use a wide range of approaches, including purified protein structure/function, cell culture models, GPCR drug screening, and transgenic animal models.
Retroviruses RNA HIV epigenetics
We study nucleotide repeat expansions as both mediators of normal neuronal function and drivers of neurologic diseases such as Fragile X Syndrome, FXTAS, ALS, and Frontotemporal Dementia. We use Drosophila, human neurons, biochemical approaches and next gen sequencing to define the mechanisms by which repeats cause disease and develop novel therapeutics. Recent work has focused on both alternative modes of protein translation and the biology repeat containing RNAs. Visit our Lab Webpage.
Our laboratory is interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying chromatin modifications that regulate gene expression and other chromatin-associated functions. Our studies are primarily focused on the enzymes that dynamically control the methylation status of lysines in histones and non-histone proteins using structural and biochemical approaches.
Studying the photoreceptor specific role of the transition zone in ciliogenesis and outer segment formation.
The Truttmann laboratory studies molecular chaperone functions in the context of proteostasis, aging and aging-associated diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Ataxias, etc.). We are particularly interested in the regulation and functions of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family proteins (e.g. HSC70, Grp78/BiP, etc.). We employ numerous genetic, biochemical as well as behavioral approaches in conjunction with several model systems (tissue culture, Caenorhabditis elegans, mice, primary human tissue) to address our research questions in a holistic fashion.
The Tsai laboratory is interested in clarifying the cellular entry pathways of a bacterial toxin (cholera toxin) and a DNA tumor virus (polyomavirus). Specifically, we wish to identify the host factors hijacked by these toxic agents during the course of infection, and to illuminate the molecular nature of the host-pathogen interactions.
Aging and stress response pathways